The Ron Flatter Racing Pod

They make sure the media have seats in the press section, access to horsemen and answers to endless questions. They write stories, they are on both ends of media interviews, and yes, they field complaints from the media far more often than they hear compliments. They have even been known to make an informed bet or two. You often hear them referred to as spokespersons. They are the media conduits at racetracks around the country – horse racing's public-relations professionals. You will hear from Santa Anita's Mike Willman, the Breeders' Cup's Jim Gluckson, the New York Racing Association's Najja Thompson and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Jim Mulvihill on this week's Ron Flatter Racing Pod. There is also a preview of the Del Mar summer that starts Wednesday, some thoughts about Justify's racing career being on hold and a flashback to Citation's victorious exit from racing. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Monmouth Park boss Dennis Drazin discusses how his track is trying to lure Triple Crown winner Justify to the Haskell Invitational and reflects on the U.S. Supreme Court case that he helped win to open the doors to nationwide sports gambling. Longtime handicapper and horseplayer Eric Wing of HorseTourneys.com previews Stars and Stripes Day at Belmont Park. A moment of Steve Cauthen's international riding career is remembered in the racing flashback, and we sample some of the feedback that we received on the VSiN racing column posted last week. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Recently retired Philadelphia Daily News sports writer Dick Jerardi discusses sports gambling's impact on racetracks in New Jersey, Delaware and even Pennsylvania. He also talks about Justify's would-be run in the Haskell Invitational. Former ESPN reporter Jeannine Edwards talks about how horses don't race as much as they used to, and she gets us up to date on what she is doing now. We also remember the reopening of Arlington Park and preview Saturday's Grade 1 United Nations Stakes at Monmouth Park. The RFRP is sponsored by X Chair. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Daily Racing Form chief photographer Barbara Livingston talks about her life around horses, the unique way she approaches her craft, how she drives cross-country for assignments and even how she has her own ways and reasons for forecasting races. Longtime southern California racing journalist and handicapper Bob Ike discusses the immediate future for Triple Crown winner Justify and the other top horses in Bob Baffert's barn. We remember when Seabiscuit broke his maiden 83 years ago after 17 failures, and we share some listener feedback. The RFRP is sponsored by X Chair. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Royal Ascot is next week in England, and it is the focus of this week's podcast. Guests include trainer Wesley Ward, who has won nine times over there and will be saddling 10 American horses led by Lady Aurelia at this year's meeting. England-based writer Lee Mottershead of the Racing Post is also along to discuss highlight's of the five racing days. We also flash back to last weekend's Triple Crown to hear an exchange with jockey Mike Smith and trainer Bob Baffert – and whether they thought Justify would ever be under threat as he led most of the way in winning the Belmont Stakes. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

The podcast originates from Belmont Park, where we ask if Justify will win the Belmont Stakes and with it the Triple Crown? Or will one of nine challengers end up in the winner's circle? Todd Pletcher, who trains Vino Rosso and Noble Indy, discusses race strategy for the two colts. NBC Sports and TVG racing analyst Britney Eurton helps us analyze each of the 10 horses in the Belmont field. The racing flashback goes back 45 years to remember how Secretariat was "a tremendous machine" in winning the Triple Crown. We also preview the Met Mile, one of the other graded stakes on Saturday's Belmont Stakes card. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Our trio of handicappers Dave Tuley, Vinny Magliulo and Patrick McQuiggan are back to break down all 10 horses racing Saturday in the Belmont Stakes - and whether they think Justify will finish his sweep of the Triple Crown. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Hall of Famer Bob Baffert talks about Justify's chances to win next week's Belmont Stakes and make him only the second trainer in history to win two Triple Crowns. Morning host and horseplayer Marc "Moose" Malusis of CBS Sports Radio in New York helps us handicap the field for the June 9 race. Our racing flashback recalls one of the four Triple Crown winners of the '40s. We will preview the 239th Derby being run Saturday at Epsom in England. We also pay tribute to the late NYRA cameraman John Mazzie, who provided us the view for more than 70-thousand races during his 35-year career. The RFRP is sponsored by ForHims.com/Racing. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

UPDATED to reflect Audible not racing in the Belmont Stakes. We get an early look at next month's Belmont Stakes, where Justify may become the 13th Triple Crown winner. New York Racing Association paddock analyst Maggie Wolfendale-Morley helps us handicap the horses that will be challenging Justify. We also look back on the Preakness with NBC Sports producer Rob Hyland, who had to televise the race through the thick fog at Pimlico. Our racing flashback celebrates the birthday of iconic race caller Dave Johnson, and we preview the Gold Cup at Santa Anita. The RFRP is sponsored by ForHims.com/Racing. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

At rainy Pimlico, we are getting ready for a wet Preakness Stakes with Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas talking Kentucky Derby winner Justify and his two challengers – Bravazo and Sporting Chance. TVG's Caton Bredar discusses the race as well as the legalization of sports gambling and the possibility that the Preakness may be moved soon to Laurel Park. Our racing flashback remembers Afleet Alex's near fall that turned into victory in the 2005 Preakness. We also sample some listener feedback via Twitter. The RFRP is sponsored by TVG and ForHims.com/Racing. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

We did it for the Derby. Why not for the Preakness? VSiN's Dave Tuley, Gaughan Gaming's Vinny Magliulo and South Point's Patrick McQuiggan join Ron to handicap the second jewel in the Triple Crown. Each horse gets thorough analysis, and we offer our tips for winning tickets. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

This week we offer an early preview of the Preakness Stakes and a look back at the Kentucky Derby on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Pimlico track announcer Dave Rodman offers his insight on Derby winner Justify and the rest of the likely Preakness field. Santa Anita track handicapper Jon White discusses his successful future wager on Justify and the misperceptions often associated with morning lines. The racing flashback is a story that you have never heard before – recalling the unique circumstances that prevented the Kentucky Derby from being broadcast in 1940. And we have a preview of Saturday's Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont Park. The RFRP is sponsored by ForHims.com/Racing. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

The Kentucky Derby preview edition of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod comes from Louisville. It features NBC Sports host Mike Tirico, who talks about his career and how horse racing was a part of his early life. Trainer Mark Casse discusses his Derby horse Flameaway, looks back on what might have been last year with Classic Empire and recalls what was accomplished with his great mare Tepin. The racing flashback recalls the Derby that got away for Hall of Fame jockey Bill Shoemaker. And we even have a quick look at the Kentucky Oaks. The RFRP is sponsored by TVG and by ForHims.com/Racing. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

In this pop-up edition of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod, VSiN's Dave Tuley, Gaughan Gaming's Vinny Magliulo and South Point's Patrick McQuiggan join Ron for nuts-and-bolts handicapping of every horse in the Kentucky Derby. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

It's a preview before the Derby preview on this edition of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. TVG's Christina Blacker examines the Kentucky Derby field and goes over the 20 horses one-by-one to assess their chances of finishing in the money a week from Saturday. WinStar Farm president Elliott Walden discusses his three Derby horses – Justify, Audible and Noble Indy – and what it will take to add to his 2010 victory with Super Saver. The racing flashback goes back 50 years to when the Derby winner was not the first across the finish line and did not wear the roses. We also check out Twitter reaction to the updated Wynn futures on the Derby. RFRP is sponsored by TVG and ForHims.com/Racing. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

With the Kentucky Derby field pretty well set, we launch into three weeks of previews on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Eclipse Award-winning writer and handicapper John Scheinman will discuss his long-range views on the 3-year-old crop and specific horses in the Derby itself. Tim Layden pays tribute to his predecessor as Sports Illustrated's turf writer with a look back on the life of the late Bill Nack, who died last Friday. Feedback from listeners via social media is also included this week. The RFRP is sponsored by ForHims.com/Racing. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

With Saturday being the last day of Kentucky Derby preps, the Ron Flatter Racing Pod takes a long view of the 3-year-olds and previews the Arkansas Derby and Lexington Stakes. Hall of Fame jockey Víctor Espinoza, who will ride Bolt d'Oro in Kentucky, is our featured guest. And Daily Racing Form handicapper Brad Free analyzes some of the top contenders on the Derby trail. The racing flashback remembers trainer Charlie Whittingham on what would have been his 105th birthday. The RFRP is sponsored by ForHims.com/Racing. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

It's the biggest weekend of preps for the Kentucky Derby, and we preview the Wood Memorial, Blue Grass Stakes and Santa Anita Derby on The Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin discusses his Wood Memorial favorite Enticed, his 3-year-old fillies vying for the Kentucky Oaks and the milestones in his career working for Godolphin and dealing with multiple sclerosis. Daily Racing Form handicapper Mike Watchmaker breaks down all three of Saturday's preps, looks at the domino effect with Bob Baffert's Derby contenders and engages in a critical discussion of Mendelssohn's victory last week in the UAE Derby. The racing flashback remembers the 1993 Grand National in England that formally never was, and Ron reveals a delicious irony about what could happen late this year for Dubai World Cup winner Thunder Snow. The Ron Flatter Racing Pod is sponsored by ForHims.com/racing. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

The Florida Derby and Dubai World Cup night beckon this weekend, and both are previewed on this edition of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Jonathan Thomas, who trains Catholic Boy, talks about his chances of winning the Florida Derby against his old bosses Todd Pletcher and Dale Romans. Track announcer Craig Evans checks in from the Middle East to discuss his first time calling the Dubai World Cup program, including an in-depth look at each of the eight thoroughbred races on the $30 million card. The racing flashback recalls the birth of Man O' War, and Ron offers a strange story of his one and only trip to Dubai. The Ron Flatter Racing Pod is sponsored by ForHims.com/Racing. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

We preview this weekend's Kentucky Derby points preps on this edition of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Fair Grounds handicapper Joe Kristufek talks about the Louisiana Derby as well as his varied role as a racing ambassador, including an inexpensive path for anyone to become a thoroughbred owner. Actress/singer Anita Gillette remembers how she became a horse racing fan, including her visits to the track with the late Jack Klugman and the time she printed her own tout sheet. The Sunland Derby also gets a preview, and our racing flashback recalls a groundbreaking win for jockey Rosie Napravnik. This week's RFRP is sponsored by Hims – log on to forhims.com/racing. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Saturday's Rebel Stakes and last weekend's controversial San Felipe Stakes are the main topics of the latest Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens discusses his ride in the Rebel, his reaction to the disqualification of McKinzie and promotion of Bolt d'Oro at Santa Anita and what he thinks will happen with racing if and when sports gambling is legalized nationwide. Former National Horseplayers Championship winner Michael Beychok also previews the Rebel as well as the Jeff Ruby (Spiral), reacts to the San Felipe and discusses thoroughbred aftercare as well as the famous person who got him hooked on racing. The flashback looks at an undefeated mare from the 19th century, we also look at Saturday's Grade 1 Santa Margarita, and we have some thoughts about a proposal to split the Breeders' Cup into a November-December event. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Trainer Dale Romans and VSiN writer/handicapper Dave Tuley are the guests on this week's edition of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Romans discusses the horses he has on the Kentucky Derby trail, including 18-1 Fountain of Youth winner Promises Fulfilled, Gotham Stakes favorite Free Drop Billy and Tampa Bay Derby contender Tiz Mischief. Tuley breaks down Saturday's feature prep - the San Felipe with McKinzie and Bolt d'Oro - as well as the Gotham, the Tampa Bay Derby and the Santa Anita Handicap. He also discusses the growth in media coverage of sports gambling, an area he helped pioneer. We celebrate the 55th birthday of jockey Gary Stevens, and we check some of the feedback from our Tweet that questioned where Australian super mare Winx ranked on the world stage. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Ron is on vacation, but he left behind a new edition of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. National Thoroughbred Racing Association president Alex Waldrop talks about how years of work to cut taxes on horseplayers' winnings came down to a 48-hour race against the clock. He also talks about takeout rates, medication rules and how the U.S. Supreme Court may rule on New Jersey sports gambling. Peter Rotondo Jr. of the Breeders' Cup discusses how younger bettors are being lured to horse racing, and he has some advice for horseplayers. The racing flashback remembers Seabiscuit's last race, Ron has some thoughts about Saturday's Fountain of Youth Stakes, and he has a story about an odd Golden Gate Fields betting game. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

He was a strong favorite in futures betting to win the Kentucky Derby, but we have not seen him race since November. His trainer Mick Ruis provides an update on how Bolt d'Oro looks ahead of his 3-year-old debut next month in the San Felipe Stakes, and he has a status report on the colt's jockey assignments. Also on this week's Ron Flatter Racing Pod: Peter Thomas Fornatale of the Daily Racing Form offers his expertise on handicapping contests, horizontal and vertical betting and even New York radio (yes, his dad was that Pete Fornatale). The racing flashback remembers when women broke through as jockeys in 1969, and Ron explains the big move in Las Vegas futures involving Bolt d'Oro. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Hank "The Hammer" Goldberg and Eric Wing discuss everything from Kentucky Derby preps to handicapping contests to sports gambling to Jimmy "The Greek" to Al Davis on this edition of The Ron Flatter Racing Pod. We preview this weekend's Risen Star, El Camino Real Derby and Southwest stakes. We have comments on Derby futures and morning lines, we remember an important racing birthday, and we sample some of your feedback. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

This edition of the RFRP previews the National Horseplayers Championship, the country's biggest handicapping contest going on through Sunday in Las Vegas. Our guests include National Thoroughbred Racing Association COO Keith Chamblin, one of the people who runs the NHC, and Jim Goodman, who normally runs contests like this at Keeneland but this weekend is competing for the nearly $3 million in prize money. The racing-history flashback recalls the unsolved kidnapping of champion racehorse Shergar from an Ireland stud farm 35 years ago. We also touch on a Kentucky Derby prep – the Sam F. Davis Stakes – and this weekend's Kentucky Derby Future Wager. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

While we are in Minnesota to cover Super Bowl LII, we caught up with Vikings radio broadcaster Paul Allen, who doubles as the voice of Canterbury Park. Stronach Group COO Tim Ritvo discusses the future for Gulfstream Park, Santa Anita and Maryland Racing, including the possibility that the Preakness Stakes may be moved from Pimlico to Laurel Park. We look back on a moment in racing featuring Bill Shoemaker, and the weekend preview looks at Saturday's three Kentucky Derby preps - the Holy Bull, the Withers and the Robert B. Lewis. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

The world's richest horse race gets an in-depth preview on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod, which comes to you from Gulfstream Park in Florida. Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen talks about this final race for 2017 Horse of the Year Gun Runner. Handicapper Matt Bernier of the Daily Racing Form goes over each horse in the race. The flashback to racing history recalls the opening of Hialeah Park. This week's pod is sponsored by DRF Bets. Listen to find out how you can get a $200 betting bonus without having to pay a deposit. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

The $16 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational is the world's richest horse race, and it gets an early preview with racing journalist John Pricci and trainer Jamie Osborne. Pricci is in south Florida to offer a handicapping snapshot of the Jan. 27 race and discuss the concept that spawned this big-money event. Osborne checks in from England, where he saw off Toast Of New York to continue his comeback in the Pegasus. There is also a racing flashback to 1932, when Phar Lap arrived in North America only to suffer a tragic fate. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Previews of three Kentucky Derby points preps this extended weekend are the focus of this RFRP. Track announcer John G. Dooley checks in from the Fair Grounds to help preview the loaded field in the Lecomte Stakes, and he also exchanges thoughts on everything from Boulogne to beignets - or racing around the world to food in New Orleans. Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr., who rides in the Lecomte, discusses his career. A moment in racing history flashes back to the day that Turf Paradise opened in 1956. And we break down the Lecomte, the Jerome and the Smarty Jones stakes individually and in the greater context of the Kentucky Derby. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

This edition features jockey Rajiv Maragh, who talks about his recovery from a serious 2015 injury and his move from the east coast to California. Jody McDonald (CBS Sports Radio, WFAN, WIP, SiriusXM) discusses Kentucky Derby futures betting and how racing may be helped by legalized sports gambling in his home state New Jersey. This week's moment in racing history looks back on Spectacular Bid's undefeated 1980, which began with a January victory at Santa Anita. And Ron reviews the ballot he cast for the Eclipse Awards. Please subscribe and post a review where available at Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music and Stitcher. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Opening week at Santa Anita meant a visit to The Great Race Place for this week's RFRP. Trainer John Sadler reacts to his star Stellar Wind being raced one more time - but not for him - and he talks about his success in handling female horses and about the new initiatives designed to help racing in southern California. Jay Privman of the Daily Racing Form shares his thoughts about the state of racing in California, the Pegasus World Cup, the Kentucky Derby and the competition for betting dollars among racetracks around the country. We look back at the day Santa Anita first opened in 1934, we have some thoughts about some strange happenings on opening day, we have a snapshot of the upcoming Jerome Stakes and we remember the late Jack Van Berg. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

This is a special Christmas edition of the RFRP with GFOR (Good Friends of Ron). Chris Fallica - "The Bear" from ESPN College GameDay - comes to Las Vegas with stories about his experiences in handicapping contests as well as his thoughts about next year's Kentucky Derby. Scott Burton - the Paris-based correspondent for Racing Post - checks in via Skype to compare notes on U.S. and European race betting. Our look back at racing history recalls the closing four years ago of Hollywood Park. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Because of limited distribution at the time, the premiere episode of the RFRP is reposted here with jockey Mike Smith and turf writer Jennie Rees. This was originally posted at VSiN.com on Oct. 27, 2017. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

In a special edition of the RFRP, Blood-Horse reporter Jeremy Balan tells Ron the story of how he covered last week's San Luis Rey Downs fire, including all the challenges of getting to the scene and digesting afterward what happened. Joe Bravo was at the Jockeys' Guild Annual Assembly in Las Vegas, where he offered us some strong opinions about rider safety and even how the Supreme Court sports-gambling case might not be beneficial to racing in New Jersey. And our moment in racing history is a flashback to the controversial winning streak turned in by Rapid Redux. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

The fire that killed racehorses Thursday in southern California takes precedent. But we still look ahead with Zayat Stables vice president Justin Zayat to Saturday's Los Alamitos Futurity and next year's Kentucky Derby (and back at American Pharoah). TVG's Candice Hare handicaps this weekend's Hong Kong International Races. And our look back at racing history brings back memories of Silky Sullivan. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

The theme of this podcast is New York. Trainer Todd Pletcher tells us about his top 2-year-olds, NYRA handicapper and TV host Andy Serling examines the Remsen Stakes and Cigar Mile. Ron Flatter looks back on a memorable day at Belmont Park that had a sad postscript. We also look back on the first pool of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

On the first weekend of betting in the Kentucky Derby Future Wager, Wynn Las Vegas oddsmaker Johnny Avello discusses early wagering on the race. Tony-nominated actress/singer and Kentucky native Laura Bell Bundy talks about her love of horse racing and especially the Derby. Ron Flatter looks back at a moment in racing history 70 years ago this month, when one racehorse's funeral was such big news that it was broadcast live on national radio. Plus a preview of the Clark Handicap. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

New Southern California Sports Broadcasters Hall of Fame inductee Trevor Denman discusses his 35 years calling races at Santa Anita and Del Mar, racing database creator Bruno De Julio looks at this month's thoroughbred sales in Kentucky, and both offer their views on what bettors should look for - and should ignore. Plus a moment in racing history when The Daily Racing Form was born, and we remember the two-time Breeders' Cup Mile champion Lure. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

This week's Ron Flatter Racing Pod looks back at the Breeders' Cup to find out what we may apply to betting in the weeks and months ahead. Nisan Gabbay, the winner of the $1 million Breeders' Cup Betting Challenge, joins us to discuss his successful strategy and to respond to a collusion investigation that is focused on his victory, and Ed DeRosa of TwinSpires.com helps us break down what went right and wrong for bettors at Del Mar. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

The Breeders' Cup is Friday and Saturday at Del Mar, and this week's edition of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod looks at the $28 million event that is the richest in horse racing. Hall of Fame trainer and 14-time Breeders' Cup winner Bob Baffert is our guest for an extended conversation about his horses. Gaughan Gaming's Vinny Magliulo and South Point handicapper Patrick McQuiggan join Ron to break down all 13 championship races to help bettors find winners. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com